U.S. patent application number 15/203093 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for protective cover for an article of footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fi-Ber Sports, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Fi-Ber Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas Fischer, Cullen W. Hays, Michael Seibert.
Application Number | 20160309831 15/203093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55524559 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160309831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Thomas ; et
al. |
October 27, 2016 |
PROTECTIVE COVER FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A protective cover for an article of footwear can include a
first portion covering the top and sides of the footwear and a
second portion covering the back of the footwear. The first portion
can include locations to receive at least part of a connecting
mechanism, and the second portion of the cover can be connected to
the first portion of the cover by the connecting mechanism.
Inventors: |
Fischer; Thomas; (Meridian,
ID) ; Seibert; Michael; (Eagle, ID) ; Hays;
Cullen W.; (McMinnville, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fi-Ber Sports, Inc. |
Eagle |
ID |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Fi-Ber Sports, Inc.
Eagle
ID
|
Family ID: |
55524559 |
Appl. No.: |
15/203093 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14494100 |
Sep 23, 2014 |
9392838 |
|
|
15203093 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0078 20130101;
A43C 11/1493 20130101; A43B 5/1608 20130101; A43C 11/165 20130101;
A43B 3/18 20130101; A43B 5/18 20130101; A43B 5/1666 20130101; A43B
5/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/18 20060101
A43B003/18; A43B 3/00 20060101 A43B003/00; A43C 11/14 20060101
A43C011/14; A43B 5/18 20060101 A43B005/18; A43C 11/16 20060101
A43C011/16 |
Claims
1. A protective cover for an article of footwear, comprising: a
first portion having an upper surface, and two opposing side
surfaces covering a top, a first side ankle portion, and a second
side ankle portion of the footwear, wherein the first portion is
provided with at least one location to receive at least a portion
of a connecting mechanism; and a second portion covering the back
of the footwear, wherein the connecting mechanism connects the
first portion at the first side ankle portion to the second
portion, and connects the first portion at the second side ankle
portion to the second portion; and wherein the connecting mechanism
remains connected to the first portion and the second portion only
at the first side ankle portion when the connecting mechanism is
completely disconnected at the second ankle side portion of the
cover.
2. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the first portion and
the second portion are formed from high impact carbon.
3. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the first portion
includes a plurality of projections and recesses to engage a bottom
portion of the footwear.
4. The protective cover of claim 3, wherein the second portion
includes a plurality of projections and recesses to engage a bottom
portion of the footwear.
5. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the connecting
mechanism comprises a strap.
6. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one
location to receive at least a portion of the connecting mechanism
is an aperture.
7. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the first portion
includes a plurality of extrusions to alter a tensile strength of
the protective cover.
8. The protective cover of claim 1, further comprising a suspension
mechanism connecting from one side of the two opposing side
surfaces to the other side of the two opposing side surfaces to
provide spacing between at least the first portion of the cover and
the article of footwear.
9. The protective cover of claim 8, wherein the suspension
mechanism is fixed to one side of the two opposing side surfaces
and is adjustable by tensioning on an opposite side of the two
opposing side surfaces.
10. A protective cover for an article of footwear, comprising: a
first portion comprising a one-piece shell having: a top portion
covering an instep portion and a toe portion of the footwear; the
top portion connected to a sidewall portion having: a side portion
covering a side portion and an ankle portion of the footwear; the
top portion configured to receive at least a portion of a
connecting mechanism; a second portion comprising a one-piece shell
covering a back portion of the footwear; the connecting mechanism
comprising a strap, wherein the strap is: connected to a first
location of the first portion; connected to a first location of the
second portion; and connected to a second location of the first
portion, and wherein the strap remains connected to the first
location of the first portion and the first location of the second
portion when the strap is completely disconnected from the second
location of the first portion to facilitate placement and removal
of the cover around the article of footwear.
11. The protective cover of claim 10, further comprising a
suspension mechanism, wherein a first end of the suspension
mechanism is connected to a first interior side of the sidewall
portion, and a second end of the suspension mechanism is connected
to a second interior side of the sidewall portion, the suspension
mechanism to provide a space between the first portion of the cover
and the footwear.
12. The protective cover of claim 11, wherein the suspension
mechanism is tensionable to alter the space between the first
portion of the cover and the footwear.
13. The protective cover of claim 10, further comprising a
suspension mechanism comprising an air bladder, wherein the air
bladder is to provide a space between at least a portion of the
first portion and the footwear.
14. The protective cover of claim 10, wherein the first portion is
configured to cup at least a portion of a bottom portion of the
footwear.
15. A protective cover for an article of footwear, comprising: a
first portion covering an instep and toe portion of the footwear,
wherein the first portion is configured to receive at least a
portion of a connecting mechanism; and a second portion covering a
back portion of the footwear, wherein the connecting mechanism is
to remain coupled to the first portion and the second portion only
on a first side of the first portion and second portion when the
connecting mechanism is completely decoupled at a second side of
the first portion and second portion.
16. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein the connecting
mechanism comprises a strap.
17. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein the first portion and
the second portion are made of a same material.
18. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein the first portion and
the second portion are made of different materials.
19. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein a thickness of the
first portion varies throughout the first portion.
20. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein a thickness of the
second portion varies throughout the second portion.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/494,100, filed Sep. 23, 2014, which issues as U.S. Pat. No.
9,392,838 on Jul. 19, 2016, the contents of which are included
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Even with modern protective footwear, ankle and foot
injuries can be sustained in many activities and areas of work.
Such injuries can result to a foot as a result of contact between
the foot and another object. For example, a hockey player's foot
may be injured when contacted by a hockey stick or puck, or a
machinist's foot may be injured when contacted by a tool or a
part.
[0003] Protecting the foot from injury can be difficult due to a
number of factors. One such factor is that footwear is frequently
designed with a minimal amount of protection from such injury,
especially on the top and back of the footwear. Some specialized
types of footwear, for example, ice hockey skates and steel-toed
boots, often provide some protection against injury to some parts
of the foot, but can fail to provide adequate protection to the
top, sides, and back of the foot, as well as the ankle. This lack
of protection can result in injuries to the foot, for example,
tissue bruising, bone fractures, and lacerations.
[0004] Currently available devices which attempt to protect the
foot from injury suffer from a number of shortcomings. Examples of
such shortcomings include devices that are too heavy, devices that
fail to protect the entire foot, devices that hinder a wearer's
range of motion, and devices that do not fit snugly to the
footwear, or are uncomfortable or ill-fitting.
[0005] Strap-on and tie-on type protectors for the ankle portion of
footwear exist. For example, leather has been combined with
cardboard and/or plastic to fabricate protective cups that can be
strapped or tied onto the exterior of a piece of footwear to
protect a wearer's ankle.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,170 to Lutz, Jr. describes a removable
protective shell cover molded into a boot-fitting shape. This shell
cover covers the upper sides and tongue portion of the boot and
partially covers the side portions of the boot. The shell cover is
fastened by a strap that runs under the boot and by a strap that
runs behind the ankle around the Achilles tendon. The straps each
have a pad on one end to create a gap between the between the shell
and the boot in an attempt to allow the shell to dissipate forces
resulting from an impact to the cover. In addition, the laces of
the skate are specifically used to facilitate the gap between the
cover and the boot.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,567 to McClelland describes a removable
protective cover for a hockey skate boot. The removable protective
cover covers the sides, tongue, and partially covers ankle portions
of the boot. The protective cover includes heel-cupping sidewall
portions that flex apart diagonally to apply the cover to a boot
and to secure the protective cover in place while a user operates
straps to fasten the protective cover to the boot. One strap runs
under the boot, and another strap runs behind the ankle around the
Achilles tendon. Spaced pads are placed on the inside of the
protective cover to create a gap between the protective shell and
the boot in an effort to allow the shell to dissipate impact forces
from the protective cover.
[0008] In contrast, various examples described below provide for a
lightweight, removable protective footwear cover that can protect
the entire foot from injury while allowing the wearer to maintain
their range of motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example of
a protective cover for an article of footwear according to the
present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example of
a protective cover for an article of footwear according to the
present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an example of a protective
cover for an article of footwear according to the present
disclosure
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an example of a
protective cover for an article of footwear according to the
present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example of a protective
cover for an article of footwear according to the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an example of a protective
cover for an article of footwear according to the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an example detail of a second side of an
example of a protective cover for an article of footwear including
a reel, rotatable knob, and cable portion of a connecting mechanism
according to the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an example detail of a first side of an
example of a protective cover for an article of footwear including
a flange and tab portion of a connecting mechanism according to the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
forming a protective cover for an article of footwear according to
the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates an example system including a processor
and non-transitory computer readable medium according to the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The present disclosure is directed to a light-weight,
two-piece, removable hard-shell protective cover that can be worn
over an article of footwear. The protective cover can cover the
top, sides, ankles, and back of the footwear. In operation, the two
pieces of the cover can be secured together by a connecting
mechanism. In one example, the two pieces of the cover can be
secured by a system of cables that can be tensioned to hold the two
pieces of the cover together. The preferred material for the cover
is relatively hard but flexible material such as a thermoplastic
polymer. The first piece of the cover can be formed in one portion
and can have a vertically split heel contiguous with a
substantially open bottom. The sides of the first piece of the
cover can cup (e.g., partially enclose) part of the bottom of the
footwear. The second piece of the cover can be formed in one
portion and can have a concave portion to cover the back of the
footwear. The bottom of the second piece of the cover can cup part
of the heel portion of the footwear. In operation, the cover can be
suspended above the footwear via an adjustable strap to disperse
the impact of an object that comes in contact with the cover.
[0020] These and other features and advantages of the present
disclosure will become apparent on further reading of the detailed
description below, in light of the accompanying drawings.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example of
a protective cover for an article of footwear according to the
present disclosure. The footwear cover 100 can include a first
portion 104 and a second portion 110. The first portion 104 and the
second portion 110 can be connected by a connecting mechanism. In
some examples, the connecting mechanism can include a cable 140
connected at one end to a flange 122 and connected at the other end
to a reel that can be connected to, and actuated by, a rotatable
knob (e.g., rotatable knob 229 illustrated in FIG. 2). The cable
140 can be a single piece of cable connected at one end to its
beginning. For example, cable 140 can be a loop. In this regard,
one end of the loop can be connected to the flange 122, and the
other end of the loop can be connected to a reel (e.g., reel 280
illustrated in FIG. 2) or reel-type mechanism. Embodiments are not
so limited, however, and the connecting mechanism can include
straps, Velcro.RTM., strap in bindings, etc. For example, the first
portion 104 and the second portion 110 can be connected by strap in
bindings and/or Velcro.RTM. straps.
[0022] The first portion 104 and the second portion 110 can be
formed and/or molded as two separate pieces, for example, the first
portion 104 can be a one-piece shell and the second portion 110 can
be a separate one-piece shell. Examples are not so limited,
however, and the cover can be formed in more than two pieces. In
some examples, the first portion 104 and the second portion 110 can
be molded or formed from carbon fiber. However, other moldable or
formable materials and/or combinations thereof can be used, for
example, plastic, fiberglass, Kevlar.RTM., carbon-fiber reinforced
thermoplastic, etc. In some examples, the material(s) used to form
the first portion 104 and the material(s) used to form the second
portion 110 can be different. In some examples, the first portion
104 and the second portion 110 can be manufactured using a
compression molding procedure. In addition, in some examples, the
cover 100 can be formed using a computer-aided manufacturing
process. For example, the cover 100 can be formed using a
computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
process. In some examples, the cover 100 can be formed using
additive manufacturing or 3D printing, for example,
stereolithography, optical fabrication, selective laser sintering,
fused deposition modeling, etc., as described in more detail herein
in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10.
[0023] The cover 100 can be formed of unitary thickness, however,
as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the cover 100 can
be formed of varying thickness. That is, the thickness of first
portion 104 and second portion 110 can be different. In some
examples, first portion 104 and/or second portion 110 can be of a
varying thickness throughout. For example, upper surface portion
114 can be formed with a greater thickness than toe portion 112. As
a further example, the first portion 104 can be formed of unitary
thickness and the second portion 110 can be formed of varying
thickness. In this regard, the weight and strength of the cover 100
can be altered to provide adequate protection for a number of
activities and/or areas of work while minimizing the weight of the
cover 100.
[0024] The cover 100 can be manufactured to fit over a single size
and/or type of footwear; however, it will be appreciated by those
of ordinary skill in the art that the cover 100 can be manufactured
to fit over more than one size and/or type of footwear, and that
the shape and/or proportions of the example cover 100 can be
different than those shown in the example illustrations. In some
examples, the cover can be manufactured using a just in time
production strategy. The cover 100 can also be manufactured with
different colors, graphics, and/or other ornamental features to
alter the appearance of the cover 100. For example, a vinyl graphic
can be applied to the cover 100 and/or the material used to make
the cover 100 can be dyed or otherwise colored.
[0025] In some examples, the cover 100 can be formed by forming a
first portion 104 covering a top portion, side portions, and an
ankle portion of a piece of footwear. In some examples, the first
portion 104 can be formed from more than one piece, and the pieces
can be fastened together, for example using adhesives, fasteners,
snap-together tabs, etc. to form first portion 104. A plurality of
locations to receive at least a portion of a connecting mechanism
disposed along the first cover portion can also be provided. The
second piece of the cover 100 can be provided by forming a second
portion 110 covering a back portion of the piece of footwear. In
some examples, to connect the first portion 104 and second portion
110, a connecting mechanism having a cable 140 attached at a first
end to a connector and attached at a second end to a reel (e.g.,
reel 280 illustrated in FIG. 2), where the cable 140 is received by
the plurality of locations to receive the cable, and where the
connector is disposed on a first side of the second portion 110 and
the reel (e.g., reel 280 illustrated in FIG. 2) is disposed on a
second side of the second portion 110 can be formed. In some
examples, first portion 104 and/or second portion 110 can include
padding to provide spacing between the cover 100 and the article of
footwear and/or to provide cushioning.
[0026] The first portion 104 can have an upper surface portion 114,
a first side surface 116, and a second side surface (e.g., side
surface 217 illustrated in FIG. 2). In addition, a front ankle
protection portion 106, a first side ankle protection portion 108,
and a second side ankle protection portion (e.g., 209 illustrated
in FIG. 2) can be provided. At intervals along the first side
surface 116, the second side surface (e.g., side surface 217
illustrated in FIG. 2), and the upper surface portion 114 of the
first portion 104, at least a portion of the connecting mechanism
can be constrained to the first portion 104. For example, a
plurality of locations to receive at least a portion of the
connecting mechanism can be provided along the first portion 104
and/or second portion 110. In some examples, the portion of the
connecting mechanism provided along the first portion 104 and/or
second portion 110 can be a cable 140 that can be constrained to
the first portion 104. In some examples, the locations to receive
at least a portion of the connecting mechanism can be a plurality
of apertures 134-1, 134-2, . . . , 134-N to guide the cable 140 and
constrain the motion of the cable 140 to the first portion 104.
Similarly, at intervals along the upper surface portion 114 a
plurality of apertures 132-1, 132-2, . . . , 132-N can be provided
to guide and constrain the cable 140 to the first portion 104. In
some examples, a cable 140 can be passed through the apertures
132-1, 132-2, . . . , 132-N, and 134-1, 134-2, . . . , 134-N to
connect the cable 140 to the cover 100. Examples are not so
limited, however, and the cable 140 can be constrained to the first
portion 104 by other mechanisms, for example, grommets, eyelets,
etc.
[0027] As noted above, the second portion 110 can be connected to
the first portion 104 via a cable 140. One end of the cable 140 can
be connected to a flange 122, and the other end of the cable 140
can be connected to a reel (e.g., reel 280 illustrated in FIG. 2)
or reel-type mechanism. An example of a suitable reel-type
mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,992,261 to Hammerslag et
al.
[0028] A tab 120 can be connected to the flange 122. In some
examples, the flange 122 can be connected to the tab 120, which can
be provided to aid in securing or removing the cover 100. For
example, as described in more detail herein, flange 122 can be
secured to a flange connector (e.g., flange connector 524
illustrated in FIG. 5) that is affixed to the second portion 110.
In some examples, the flange connector (e.g., flange connector 524
illustrated in FIG. 5) can be connected to the second portion 110
so that it is non-movable. The cover 100 can be tightened or
loosened by operating the connecting mechanism. The connecting
mechanism can include a flange 122, a rotatable knob (e.g.,
rotatable knob 229 illustrated in FIG. 2), a reel (e.g., reel 280
illustrated in FIG. 2), and a cable 140, which are shown and
discussed in more detail herein in connection with FIGS. 5, 7, and
8. In some examples, the connecting mechanism can be a Boa.RTM.
closure system.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example of
a protective cover for an article of footwear according to the
present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 2, a second portion 210
can be connected to the first portion 204 via a cable 240 disposed
in a reel 280 that can be connected to a rotatable knob 229. The
cable 240 shown in FIG. 2 can be the same continuous cable 140
shown in FIG. 1. In some examples, the cable 240 can be received by
the plurality of locations to receive at least a portion of the
connecting mechanism described above. In the example of FIG. 2, the
cable 240 can be passed through the plurality of apertures 234-1,
234-2, . . . , 234-N along a lower path of the first portion (e.g.,
first portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1) such the cable 240
alternates between being on the outside of the cover 200 and on the
inside of the cover 200. That is, the cable 240 can be passed
through aperture 234-4 so that the cable 240 is on the outside of
the first portion (e.g., first portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1).
The cable 240 can then be passed through aperture 234-3 such that
the cable 240 is on the inside of the first portion (e.g., first
portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1). The cable 240 can then be
passed through aperture 234-2 such that the cable is on the outside
of the first portion (e.g., first portion 104 illustrated in FIG.
1). Similarly, the cable 240 can be woven through the plurality of
apertures 236-1, 236-2, . . . , 236-N dispersed along an upper path
of the first portion (e.g., first portion 104 illustrated in FIG.
1) such that the cable 240 is alternately on the inside and outside
of the first portion (e.g., first portion 104 illustrated in FIG.
1). In addition, the cable 240 can be passed through the other
apertures of the plurality of apertures 236-1, 236-2, . . . ,
236-N, 238-1, 238-2, . . . , 238-N located along the first portion
(e.g., first portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1) of the cover 200
for the continuous loop of the cable 240. In some examples, the
cable 240 can pass through one of the plurality of apertures 234-1,
234-2, . . . , 234-N along a lower path of the first portion (e.g.,
first portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1) such that the cable is on
the inside of the first portion (e.g., first portion 104
illustrated in FIG. 1). The cable can then be passed through the
next aperture e.g., 234-2 of the plurality of apertures such that
the cable is on the outside of the first portion (e.g., first
portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1). In this regard the cable 240
can be passed in and out of the first portion (e.g., first portion
104 illustrated in FIG. 1) such that the cable 240 can be
constrained to the first portion (e.g., first portion 104
illustrated in FIG. 1).
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an example of a protective
cover for an article of footwear according to the present
disclosure. In the example of FIG. 3, a suspension mechanism 350
can be connected to the first portion 304. The suspension mechanism
350 can prevent the cover 300 from moving once the cover 300 is
installed over the footwear. The suspension mechanism 350 can
include a strap, webbing, or other similar mechanism that can
suspend the first portion 304 of the protective cover 300 above the
footwear. In some examples, one end of the suspension mechanism 350
can be affixed to the first portion 304 on one side of the first
portion 304, for example at 354, and the other end of the
suspension mechanism 350 can connect to the other side of the first
portion 304, for example at 352. For example, the suspension
mechanism 350 can include a strap, where a first end of the strap
is connected to a first interior side of the sidewall portion
(e.g., side portion 116 illustrated in FIG. 1), and a second end of
the strap is connected to a second interior side of the sidewall
portion (e.g., side portion 217 illustrated in FIG. 2), where the
suspension mechanism 350 can provide a space between the first
portion 304 of the cover 300 and the footwear. Examples are not so
limited, however, and suspension mechanism 350 can include pads,
air bladders, or other such mechanisms that can allow for space
between the cover 300 and the article of footwear. In some
examples, a second suspension mechanism (not shown) can be provided
to the second portion 310 of the protective cover 300 to position
the second portion 310 of the cover such that the second portion
310 of the protective cover 300 is not in direct contact with the
back of the footwear.
[0031] The suspension mechanism 350 can be adjustable. For example,
suspension adjustment mechanism 352 can be provided to allow for
adjustment of the suspension mechanism length to alter the distance
between at least the first portion 304 of the cover 300 and the
footwear. In some examples, the suspension mechanism 350 can be
tensionable to alter the length of the suspension mechanism 350.
For example, an adjustable strap can be fixed to one side (e.g.,
first sidewall portion 116 illustrated in FIG. 1) of the two
opposing side surfaces (e.g., sidewall 116 illustrated in FIG. 1
and sidewall 217 illustrated in FIG. 2) to the other side (e.g.
second sidewall portion 217 illustrated in FIG. 2) of the two
opposing side surfaces (e.g., sidewall 116 illustrated in FIG. 1
and sidewall 217 illustrated in FIG. 2) to provide spacing between
at least the first portion 304 of the cover 300 and the footwear.
The adjustable strap can be adjustable by tensioning on an opposite
side of the two opposing side surfaces (e.g., sidewall 116
illustrated in FIG. 1 and sidewall 217 illustrated in FIG. 2). In
this manner, the first portion 304 of the cover 300 can be
positioned such that the first portion 304 of the cover 300 is not
in direct contact with the footwear. Thus, forces resulting from
impact to the cover 300 can be dispersed and transferred away from
the footwear. In addition, the footwear can be protected from
damage caused by wear and tear that could result from the footwear
being in direct contact with the cover 300. In some examples,
suspension adjustment mechanism 352 can be a part of the first
portion 304. For example, suspension adjustment mechanism 352 can
be a taber buckle formed into the first portion 304. Embodiments
are not so limited, however, and suspension adjustment mechanism
352 can be a separate part mounted to the first portion 304. The
suspension adjustment mechanism 352 can include a spring buckle
strap, a cam strap, side release buckle, jam lever buckle, or other
mechanism that can be used to alter the length of the suspension
mechanism 350. Suspension mechanism 350 can be manufactured from
polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and/or elastic, for example.
However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that
combinations of these materials and/or other materials with similar
properties can be used to make the suspension mechanism 350. In
some examples, the suspension mechanism 350 can be manufactured by
forming a strap having a connection 354 to a first side of the
first portion 304 and a connection 352 to the second side of the
first portion 304.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of an example of a
protective cover for an article of footwear according to the
present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 4, the protective
footwear covering 400 can include a first portion 404, a second
portion 410, a connecting mechanism, and a suspension mechanism
450. In some examples, the first portion 404 can be a one-piece
shell covering the top and sides of the footwear. In addition, the
first portion 404 can include an upper surface (e.g., upper surface
114 illustrated in FIG. 1), two opposing side surfaces (e.g., 116
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 217 illustrated in FIG. 2), and can
include a plurality of apertures 432-1, 432-1, . . . , 432-N,
434-1, 434-2, . . . , 434-N, etc. The side surfaces can be
sidewalls (e.g. first sidewall 116 illustrated in FIG. 1 and second
sidewall 217 illustrated in FIG. 2) that cover the side and ankle
portions (e.g., ankle portion 106 illustrated in FIG. 1, first side
ankle portion 108 illustrated in FIG. 1, and second side ankle
portion 209 illustrated in FIG. 2) of the footwear. The second
portion 410 can be a one-piece shell covering the back of the
footwear. Second portion 410 can be narrower than the side portions
(e.g., 116 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 217 illustrated in FIG. 2)
such that second portion 410 can be at least partially inside first
portion 404 after the cover 400 has been secured. In some examples,
the second portion 410 can include a connecting mechanism. The
connecting mechanism can include a flange 422, a rotatable knob
429, and a cable 440. In some examples, the flange 422 can be
disposed on one side of the second portion 410, and the rotatable
knob 429 can be disposed on the opposite side of the second portion
410. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the flange
422 and the rotatable knob 429 can be disposed on either side of
the second portion 410 so long as they are on opposite sides of the
second portion 410. The cable 440 can have a first end connected to
a flange 422 and a second end connected to a reel-type mechanism
(e.g., reel 280 illustrated in FIG. 2). In some examples, the tab
420 can be provided to the flange 422 to aid in disengaging the
flange 422 from a flange connector (e.g., flange connector 524
illustrated in FIG. 5). In addition, in some examples, suspension
mechanism 450 can be provided to provide spacing between the cover
400 and the footwear. In some examples, the suspension mechanism
450 can include an adjustable strap connecting from the inside of
the first side surface (e.g., first side surface 116 illustrated in
FIG. 1) to the inside of the second side surface (e.g., second side
surface 217 illustrated in FIG. 2). In some examples, suspension
mechanism 450 can be provided to hold the cover first portion 404
in place on the article of footwear.
[0033] The side portions (e.g., 116 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 217
illustrated in FIG. 2) of the cover 400 can be formed such that a
plurality of a extrusions 460-1, 460-2, . . . , 460-N extrude from
the cover 400. In some examples, the plurality of extrusions can be
formed along the first portion 404. In some examples, locations to
receive at least a portion of the connecting mechanism can be
provided at or near the plurality of extrusions. In the example
where the plurality of location to receive at least a portion of
the connecting mechanism are apertures, the plurality of apertures
(e.g., 434-1, 432-2, etc.) can be located at the base of each of
the plurality of extrusions 460-1, 460-2, . . . , 460-N. This can
allow for the plurality of apertures (e.g., 432-1, 432-3, etc. and
434-1, 434-2, etc.) to be formed in to the first portion 404 of the
cover 400 without the need for, for example, additional fasteners.
The plurality of extrusions 460-1, 460-2, . . . , 460-N can be
formed such that they extend outward from the cover 400. In this
manner, the plurality of extrusions 460-1, 460-2, . . . , 460-N can
be formed so as not to interfere with the article of footwear. In
some examples, the extrusions 460-1, 460-2, . . . 460-N can be
provided to increase or decrease the tensile strength of the cover
400.
[0034] In operation, a user can slide the first portion 404 of the
cover 400 over their footwear. In some examples, a cupped portion
418 of the first portion 404 can engage the bottom of the footwear
so that the cover 400 is held substantially fixed with regard to a
vertical plane. Similarly, the second portion 410 can include a
cupped portion at its bottom to cup the bottom heel portion of the
article of footwear. In some examples, the first portion 404 and/or
the second portion 410 can be directly connected to the bottom of
the footwear. For example, first portion 404 can be provided with a
plurality of rivets to affix the first portion 404 to the bottom of
the footwear. In some examples, first portion 410 and/or second
portion 404 can be provided with projections and recesses such that
first portion 410 and/or second portion 404 can engage (e.g.,
attach to) the bottom of the footwear and/or a housing (e.g., a
skate-blade tower, etc.) that can be attached to an article of
footwear. In this regard, the cover 400 can be semi-permanently or
permanently connected to the article of footwear.
[0035] When the first portion 404 of the cover 400 is in place over
the article of footwear, flange 422 can be inserted into flange
connector 424, for example, by operating tab 420 to align the
flange 422 with the flange connector 424 and actuating the
connecting mechanism, as described in more detail in connection
with FIGS. 7 and 8. When the flange 422 is securely seated in the
flange connector 424, the rotatable knob 429 can be operated to
tighten the cable 440.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an example of a protective
cover for an article of footwear according to the present
disclosure. In the example of FIG. 5, the tension in the cable 540
has been slackened to illustrate operation and detachment of the
cover 500. As shown in the example of FIG. 5, the flange 522 is no
longer connected to, or in direct contact with, the flange
connector 524 to permit the first portion 504 and the second
portion 510 to open and move apart to allow the cover 500 to be
placed around, or be removed from, an article of footwear. That is,
slackening the tension in the cable 540 can be done to allow for
the cover 500 to be removed from the footwear or installed (e.g.,
put on) over the footwear. As described more in connection with
FIGS. 7 and 8, the tension can be slackened in the cable 540 by
actuating the rotatable knob (e.g., rotatable knob 429 illustrated
in FIG. 4) and/or by pulling on the tab 520 to disengage the flange
522 from the flange connector 524. In some examples, the first
portion 504 and the second portion 510 can remain connected by the
cable 540 on an opposite side. In this regard, the first portion
504 and the second portion 510 can remain connected to prevent
complete separation or loss of one portion of the cover 500.
[0037] As noted above, the cable 540 can be comprised of a single,
continuous piece of material. Suitable materials for use as the
cable 540 can include various alloys (e.g., copper, aluminum,
nickel, titanium, etc.), steels (e.g., high carbon steel, brass
plated steel, etc.), and/or composite cable. One end of the cable
540 can be connected in a loop at the flange 522 to provide a
connection between the flange 522 and the looped end of the cable
544 on a first side of the second portion 510. The other end of the
cable 540 can be disposed inside the reel (e.g., reel 780
illustrated in FIG. 8) on a second side of the second portion 510.
In some examples, the cable 544 can be connected in a loop at the
flange 522 by being molded directly into the flange 522. The flange
can be made of a standard grade rubber or other shaped material.
However, examples are not so limited to the examples given herein,
and the cable 540 can be connected to the flange 522 with an
adhesive, solder, brazed connection, or other such joining
technique.
[0038] Turning back to the example of FIG. 5, the bottom portion of
the second portion 510 of cover 500 can include a cupped portion
519. Cupped portion 519 can partially wrap around and/or under a
heel portion of the footwear and can provide protection to the heel
portion of the footwear. For example, second portion 510 can
provide protection against injury that could occur as a result of
the back portion of the footwear coming into contact with a hockey
stick, hockey puck, and/or other object. In some examples, cupped
portion 519 can aid in fitting the cover 500 to the footwear and
can aid in at least partially securing the cover 500 to the
footwear.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an example of a protective
cover for an article of footwear according to the present
disclosure. In the example of FIG. 6, the first portion 604 and the
second portion 610 are shown in an attached or connected state.
That is, the example of FIG. 6 shows a state where the cover 600 is
placed over the footwear and secured thereto. The connecting
mechanism can be tightened to connect the first portion 604 and the
second portion 610. For example, the cable 640 can be tightened, as
described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8, to bring
the second portion 610 in close proximity to, or in partial contact
with, the first portion 604. In some examples, tightening the cable
640 in this fashion can be done after the footwear is encased by
the cover 600.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an example detail of a second side of an
example of a protective cover for an article of footwear including
a reel, rotatable knob, and cable portion of a connecting mechanism
according to the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 7, the
rotatable knob 729 can be mounted on a second side of the second
portion 710. The rotatable knob 729 can be disengaged from the reel
780 housed therein by causing the rotatable knob 729 to move away
and outward from the second portion 710 as indicated by the line
770. Disengaging the rotatable knob 729 from the reel 780 can unpin
the reel 780 such that the reel 780 can unwind freely and can allow
for the tension in the cable 744 to slacken. This can allow the
first portion (e.g., first portion 604 illustrated in FIG. 6) and
the second portion 710 of the cover (e.g., cover 600 illustrated in
FIG. 6) to be separated to a full enough extent that the flange
(e.g., flange 522 illustrated in FIG. 5) can be disconnected from
the flange connector (e.g., 524 illustrated in FIG. 5), as
described in more detail in connection with FIG. 8.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an example detail of a first side of an
example of a protective cover for an article of footwear including
the flange and tab portion of a connecting mechanism according to
the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 8, flange 822 can be
disengaged from flange connector 824 to facilitate removal or
installation of the cover (e.g., cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 1)
from the footwear. Flange connector 824 can be affixed to the
second portion 810 by a flange connector mounting system 826. In
some examples, flange connector mounting system 826 can be a rivet.
However, examples are not so limited and flange connector mounting
system 826 can be connected to the second portion 810 by any
suitable fastener. For example, the flange connector mounting
system 826 can be connected to the second portion 810 by a captive
fastener, snap fastener, adhesive, etc.
[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in the example of FIG. 8, the
flange 822 can be provided with a grooved edge 823 that can seat
inside a portion of flange connector 824 to facilitate a connection
between flange 822 and flange connector 824. In some examples,
grooved edge 823 can be manufactured from a durable but pliant
material, for example, rubber, polychloroprene
polytetrafluoroethylene, etc. However, it will be appreciated by
one skilled in the art that grooved edge 823 can be manufactured
from other pliant materials and/or a rigid material such as
aluminum, steel, etc.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method for
forming a protective cover for an article of footwear according to
the present disclosure. In various examples, the method can be
performed to manufacture the protective cover of FIGS. 1-8.
Embodiments are not, however, so limited to these examples.
[0044] The method can include receiving dimension specifications
for an article of footwear at a computer-aided
design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) controlled
fabrication tool, as shown at 960. In some examples, the dimension
specifications for the article of footwear can be based on the
brand, model, size, and/or other identifying features of the
article of footwear. In this regard, a protective cover that is
designed to fit a specific article of footwear can be formed. In
some examples, the dimension specifications can be received as part
of a just in time production strategy.
[0045] The method can include forming a first portion (e.g., first
portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1) covering a top portion, side
portions, and an ankle portion of an article of footwear, as shown
at 962. For example, first portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be
formed. In some examples, the first portion (e.g., first portion
104 illustrated in FIG. 1) can be formed using additive
manufacturing and/or 3D printing.
[0046] As shown at 964, the method can include providing a
plurality of locations to receive at least a portion of a
connecting mechanism along the first portion (e.g., first portion
104 illustrated in FIG. 1). For example, a plurality of apertures
(e.g., 132-1, 132-2, . . . 132-N, 134-1, 134-2, . . . , 134-N,
136-1, 136-2, . . . , 136-N illustrated in FIG. 1) can be provided
to the first portion (e.g., first portion 104 illustrated in FIG.
1) to receive at least a portion of a connecting mechanism.
[0047] At 966, the method can include forming a second portion
(e.g., second portion 110 illustrated in FIG. 1) covering a back
portion of the article of footwear. In some examples, the second
portion can be the second portion 110 illustrated in FIG. 1. In
some examples, the second portion (e.g., second portion 110
illustrated in FIG. 1) can be formed using additive manufacturing
and/or 3D printing.
[0048] As shown at 968, the method can include forming a connecting
mechanism to connect the first portion (e.g., first portion 104
illustrated in FIG. 1) and the second portion (e.g., second portion
110 illustrated in FIG. 1). In some examples, forming the
connecting mechanism can include forming a cable (e.g., cable 140
illustrated in FIG. 1) attached at a first end to a connector
(e.g., flange 122 illustrated in FIG. 1) and attached at a second
end to a reel (e.g., reel 280 illustrated in FIG. 2), where the
cable (e.g., cable 140 illustrated in FIG. 1) is received by the
plurality of locations (e.g., 132-1, 132-2, . . . 132-N, 134-1,
134-2, . . . , 134-N, 136-1, 136-2, . . . , 136-N illustrated in
FIG. 1) to receive the cable (e.g., cable 140 illustrated in FIG.
1), and where the connector (e.g., flange 122 illustrated in FIG.
1) is disposed on a first side of the second portion (e.g., second
portion 110 illustrated in FIG. 1) and the reel (e.g., reel 280
illustrated in FIG. 2) is disposed on a second side of the second
portion (e.g., second portion 110 illustrated in FIG. 1).
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates an example system 1090 including a
processor 1091 and non-transitory computer readable medium 1093
according to the present disclosure. The processor 1091 can be
configured to execute instructions stored on the non-transitory
medium 1093. For example, the non-transitory computer readable
medium 1093 can be any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or
storage, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, or a
hard disk. When executed, the instructions can cause the processor
1091 to perform a method for forming a protective cover for an
article of footwear, such as the method described with respect to
FIG. 9.
[0050] The example medium 1093 can store instructions executable by
the processor 1091 to form a protective cover for an article of
footwear. For example, the processor 1091 can execute instructions
1092 to receive dimension specifications for an article of footwear
at a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
controlled fabrication tool. For example, manufacturer
specifications regarding a particular model of footwear can be
received at a CAD/CAM controlled fabrication tool so the cover can
be formed to fit the model of footwear it can be used with. In some
examples, the instructions can be executable to form the protective
cover using additive manufacturing and/or 3D printing. For example,
the instructions can be executable to form the protective cover
using stereolithography, fused deposition molding, selective laser
sintering, or other computer aided additive and/or 3d printing
methods.
[0051] The example medium 1093 can further store instructions 1094.
The instructions 1094 can be executable to form the first portion
of the cover. In some examples, the formed first portion is the
same as first portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. In some examples,
the method can include forming a plurality of extrusions (e.g.,
460-1, 460-2, . . . , 460-N illustrated in FIG. 4) along the first
portion (e.g., first portion 104 illustrated in FIG. 1). A strap
(e.g., suspension mechanism 450 illustrated in FIG. 4) having a
connection to a first side of the first portion (e.g., second
portion 110 illustrated in FIG. 1) and a connection to the second
side of the first portion (e.g., second portion 110 illustrated in
FIG. 1) can be formed. In some examples, the strap can be
adjustable on a side of the first portion (e.g., second portion 110
illustrated in FIG. 1).
[0052] The example medium 1093 can further store instructions 1096.
The instructions 1096 can be executable to form the second portion
of the cover. For example, second portion 110 illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0053] The example medium 1093 can further store instructions 1098.
The instructions 1098 can be executable to form a connecting
mechanism to connect the first portion (e.g., first portion 104
illustrated in FIG. 1) and the second portion (e.g., second portion
110 illustrated in FIG. 1). In some examples, forming the
connecting mechanism can include forming a cable (e.g., cable 140
illustrated in FIG. 1) attached at a first end to a connector and
attached at a second end to a reel (e.g., reel 280 illustrated in
FIG. 2), where the cable (e.g., cable 140 illustrated in FIG. 1) is
received by a plurality of locations to receive the cable, and
where the connector is disposed on a first side of the second
portion (e.g., second portion 110 illustrated in FIG. 1), and the
reel is disposed on a second side of the second portion (e.g.,
second portion 110 illustrated in FIG. 1).
[0054] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which
the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the
remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing.
For example, reference numeral 102 may refer to element "02" in
FIG. 1 and an analogous element may be identified by reference
numeral 202 in FIG. 2. Elements shown in the various figures herein
can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a
number of additional examples of the present disclosure. In
addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements
provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of
the present disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting
sense. Further, as used herein, "a number of" an element and/or
feature can refer to one or more of such elements and/or
features.
* * * * *